Kids Playing at A Paw Above

This past weekend we went to Leavenworth to celebrate my 53rd birthday, listen to live music and jam with friends it was a great time. Most of you know Bear &Peace already but this is Abby one of Bear's playmates, she live with Susie & Matt &Katie and she loves to play with Bear & Peace. When we go to town A Paw Above is one of the first stops we have to make so that they can play and get their treats from Susie & Gaby at Siefert's, they race to see them and the love is returned. If you have a four legged family member and you haven't been to A Paw above then you are missing out, go see Abby &Susie, you will be glad you did. We spent 4 days in town which is the longest we have been away from Trinity since last Oct, so it was a great time for all of us. Hanging at the farm was great too now we are all recovering from the adventure and looking forward to the next one.
We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

Peace &Bear's Favorite Places

Everytime we go to town there are a couple of places that Peace &Bear have certain placesand people they want to visit. Here are a couple of photos first is Aunt Michelle & UncleTR of Uncle Uli's famous porch where dogs are allowed to hang out with their owners and friends. They've been watching Bear &Peace grow up and once downtown it is a race to get to Uli's for water or to A Paw Above &Aunt Susie &Uncle Matt and playtime with Abbey, not bad for bringing in customers either, they can keep everyone entertained and have endless energy while they are there. They know their food and snacks come from there so it is definitely a Big Fav of theirs. Here Susie is getting them to sit for treats, too bad Abby wasn't there to play and be photographed.
You might not recognize the floor in the last photo but that is the floor of The Purple Pot and Bear's baby sister Gypsy and everytime they get together they cover both stores the Purple Pot &Purple Passion since Gypsy's mom works there or is being watched there so it is usually a good bet there will be some playing involved if we go there. If you haven't checked out any of these places you might give them a shot if the animals love them then the parents should too. It's what makes Leavenworth such a great place to live.
We found our Paradise, Hope you find you's too.

Walking the River

What a beautiful week we have had, sunshine and clear cold nights, the moon has been getting full and then on Wed night even got to enjoy the total lunar eclipse, real Coooool. We had been hearing that it was going to be cloudy with possible snow but again the guys got it very wrong, good for us though it was a beautiful clear night lots of stars were visible while the moon was in the shadow but once it cleared out from bottom to top it lit up the snow like being in a ballfield, simply gorgeous. Peace &Bear just played chasing each other and barking at the owls that were busy talking up & down the creek it was very cool, only thing missing were wolves howling which is a sad thing, we need them, but that is another topic.
We took a walk up the Chiwawa river and I was amazed at how far we could go without having to cross the river but that is because it has changed course and is now flowing against the mountains to the west of Trinity, that could be interesting this year, but not unexpected since it is a wild river and changes several times each year.

You know it is times like this week when it would be nice to be able to share these experiences with someone special, but for now Peace & Bear are it.
We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

Enjoying the Sunshine @ Trinity

What a difference a couple of weeks makes. 2 weeks ago all of the passes were closed in WA many people couldn't get from Seattle to the East side of the mountains because of avalanche dangers and work being done to remove what had fallen on the roads. We had the sled dog races but even several mushers weren't able to get here, it was a mess. Then last weekend the sun started shining and the temps warmed up into the 40's even here at Trinity. We still are 10.5" short of 40' for the season but I'm not concerned it's not over yet. With the warming temps during the days and freezing at night it has really helped to set up the snow so that it is easy to walk almost anywhere they sun has been able to hit but in the trees and shade it is a different story, you can still punch through and sink up to your waist if not careful, note to self, still wear your boots it's not sandle weather just yet.

Peace, Bear & I took a walk up the Chiwawa River and found that it has again changed course and is now moved west up against the Chiwawa mountains instead of flowing towards Trinity, so this could make it interesting this year. The snow is so firm we were able to walk almost a mile up the river to places that we could have snowmobiled to this year before haveing to cross a snow bridge to continue up the river, it was gorgeous. Bear &Peace seemed to have a blast and they like snow bridges and will use everyone to see just how far they can go. This morning we woke up to some light snow/sleet but it turned to rain and has stopped for now. It was supposed to have moved in this Wednesday but fortunantly it help off until late last night so I was able to enjoy the total lunar eclopse which was very beautiful and Big, once it was over though the moon lit up all of the snow as if we were at a ballfield with all of the lights on, I guess it is what I enjoy the most about the winter full moons. What a beautiful time of year, very peaceful.

We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

What a Beautiful Week

This week has been beautiful, the sun has been shining & warm and the nights clear & cold. Peace, Bear &I have been going for walks because the snow is frozen from melting and refreezing each night, it's been great. On Wednesday night we had a total lunar eclipse which was very cool got to watch it for over an hour, but weren't sure because they had been calling for clouds & snow which didn't happen just a beautiful full moon and once the eclipse ended the moon lit up the snow, it was fantastic to see and experience. This morning though when we got up it was snowing lightly almost sleet and 30 degrees with warming today so what snow we get will melt before the day is over. That is what the weekend will be like I believe. We haven't had any snow all week and with the warming trend we have had the snow is down to 8' on our gauge and we still haven't cracked the 40' mark yet but based on what we have experienced here in the last 4 years it's not over yet.

During our walks we have noticed that the Chiwawa River has changed course once again and is now up at the base of the mountains to the west and further away from Trinity so the melt will be interesting to see what happens. We were able to walk up the river for about 1 mile using snow bridges to cross to the other side of the river and got up past the James Creek drainage and it was so beautiful & peaceful, and makes life great.

We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

More Friends from the Weekend

Sergio and Amber showed up to listen to Paul which was very nice, you can see Sergio at Osprey if you want to ski or Whitewater, he can get you there. Sandy with Peace behaving and Bear checking out the lens as I snapped the photo. Sandy and husband Charlie (not pictured) own the Tumwater Inn, see them if you are hungry or looking for entertainment check it out in Leavenworth our home in the Mountains.
We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

Saturday Night @ the Tumwater

Last Saturday night live music started again with Paul Sweeney accompanied by John the bartender. There was a good and rowdy crowd there and the music was great as always. It was the first time this winter that the weather cooperated so that I could stay and visit friends for a couple of days, Peace, Bear &I had a great time and it seemed that everyone at the Tumwater also had a good time. If you haven't been there yet it is one of the stops you should make when you are in Leavenworth for the weekend. If there is one thing wrong with Leavenworth it is the lack of live music venues or live music shows except the festivals and all which is something maybe we as locals should do something to change that. All in all the sun was shining and everyone starting to think Spring. Live life to the fullest and you will not have any regrets.
We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

Doing what they do Best

These are some photos of Bear &Peace doing what they do all the time, they constantly keep me amused and make life interesting.





We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

And You think You have SNOW

As of Friday morning @ Trinity 56.5" for Feb 2008 and 469.25" for the season. This is a photo looking between my house and the owners house which are normally 30' apart and the porches are normally 8' above the ground but where I have driven between and continue to pack it is well over 12.5' and still coming down. This has been the hardest snow to keep up with because we aren't getting any rains to consolidate the snow and compact it, even though we have gotten some wet snow there are many places that you can get stuck very easily or just sink up to your neck. With almost 5' so far it looks like this could be another record month for the snow here. Yesterday while we were maintaining the trails around Trinity we heard snowmobiles @ the TH outside the gate and went to check it out and 2 of the 3 were stuck in the deep POWder and they commented that down below the snow was very wet and easy to get on top of but that isn't the case out here, if you are going to go through anything out here that doesn't look like it has been travelled on then POWER is your friend if you try going slow plan to have to dig out, this stuff is very fluffy and deep with not much bottom to it and once you break the crust you can instantly sink to your teeth, not too much fun, but I love it here and there is no place so beautiful at this time of year.
We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

446" and Still Snowing Hard

This year for the first time I started keeping very accurate measurements of the snowfall we have received at Trinity this year beside just the stationary gauge we have, and have been blown away by the amount of snow that has fallen at Trinity. As of this morning we have had 446.75" which is over 36' of very dry fluffy powder but on the gauge it shows just over 10' because it is constantly settling yet in some places it is still very soft and deep, which is why I got stuck yesterday while knocking down the trails around Trinity. This year has been the hardest to keep up with of all of the snows I've experienced here so far, we get such large amounts of snow at a time that just to get on top of it has been difficult and I've had to dig out more times than I would have liked. It's been great for skiers because of all of the POWder days but for getting around it has been very difficult to get ahead of and stay ahead of. This winter we have only had maybe a week of temps over 32 and the snow is so dry that when it hits the water it becomes a slushy creek which effects the dam and powerplant making life more difficult but not unmanagable, just more wood on the fires.
Getting all of this snow in the amounts we are getting makes life interesting and gives me time to catch up on some reading and resting up because when I do go out I know it will be a busy time for me, clearing the trails around here and keeping the plant running between the dumps. By this time last year most of the big snows were over completely and we just got a few inches to maintain our amount of snow but nothing to really add to the depth, I believe records are being broken everywhere this year especially the fact that most of this snow hasn't had much moisture in it so it will be interesting to see what happens during the melt out.
We've found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

Cascade Quest 2008 6 Dog Purebred Race

There was a new class race this year as part of the Cascade Quest and it was the 6 Dog purebred dogs which are Malamutes, Siberian Husky and Inuit Dogs, these are not the speed dogs but they are very powerful and normally are your freight type sled dogs, these are not your speed dogs but they can pull a heavy load. We had 4 Purebred teams here at Trinity Sat evening and overnight. I believe we had 2 teams of Siberian Huskies and 1 Malamute team and one Inuit team, it was a beautiful sight to see and hear Sun morning as they were tuning up and getting ready for the re-start and finish to the race.
We found our Paradise , hope you find your's too.

Cascade Quest 2008 Idatarod Qualifier

This past weekend was the running of the Cascade Quest Sled Dog Race, where most of the activity centered around the Lake Wentachee Rec Club where the race started and finished. There is the 10-16 dog race which is a 200 mile continuous race where each leg is 50 miles with rest periods in between. This year there were 2 teams that made it to Trinity this year but originally there were to be 4 teams. This year the weather really didn't cooperate in that it snowed everyday but Monday with almost 70" during the week making it very difficult to keep the area where they would be opened up and packed with lots of last minute repairs and changes. We had Lois Solmonson our cook for the weekend, Tom & Emma Porter who have been to Trinity each year for support staff but next year Emma wants to be a participant and has been training for the last few years., then Ty Johnson the vet here to check the dogs but he is also Peace & Bear's vet which makes it nice because he makes house calls. It couldn't happen without the volunteers , they keep things moving smoothly. The first team arrived at Trinity around 7am with the 2nd team coming in just a little after 8am, they took care of their dogs then got something to eat and some rest before leaving around 12:30pm and 2pm. Here are a couple of photos of those teams and volunteers.
It did snow all day making the course slower in places but and had some people concerned about how much snow we could get for the day especially after getting 17" on Thur and another 10" Friday.
We found our Paradise, hope you find yours too.

Trinity's Peace, Bear Love & Gizmo

Last week the weather was beautiful the sun was bright and the nights were clear, but for Peace & Bear it wasn't what they like the most. To them the harder it snows the better they like, but with the warmer weather earlier in the week it helped to set the snow up so that they could get to places that were almost impossible the week before. From the time they get up in the morning they play and wrestle in the snow. Normally their coats are blac or brown but now mostly white and they love it. They teach me alot about not taking life too seriously but to enjoy every moment as it arrives. After playing hard they come in for a short rest even with Gizmo as a sleeping partner for Bear. Gizmo fits right in with their play but doesn't like it so much 2 on 1, he's really sneaky and into surprise attacks especially on Bear, they keep me laughing and entertained, what do you do in the snow?

After the beautiful weather last week it looks like January is going to go out with a Big POWder dump, we got no snow last week and since Sun morning we've gotten 20" and only 0.25" yesterday giving us a grand total for the year of 367" and 101" for Jan so far and still 2 days to go, could be very interesting for the slde dog races this coming weekend.


We found our Paradise, Hope you find your's too.

What a week it's been @ Trinity

This past week was very different for many reasons many I can't explain, but the biggest thing out of it that is out of my control is that my sled is at our garage at Fish Lake and I need a ride to it or someone kind enough to bring it out to me at Trinity. Once that is taken care of then I can do other things needed to be done but it's a long walk in these conditions. If anyone is out riding this way and can give me a ride out or could possible drive it in for me I will gladly cover your gas if you will let me know, I'd appreciate it contact me @ trinity5.peace@yahoo.com or 509-210-2351.
This has been a beautiful week weather wise but cold we didn't get any snow during the week and most mornings started between 0 & 2 but the sun was shining brightly and the full moon lit the mountains up even at 2am it truly is my very favorite time of winter when the full moon is high in the sky and the snow glistens and sparkles with hoar frost I call Ice Diamonds. Perry and Jan came out Friday with their dog teams and that was a nice visit, they seemed to have a great run and Jan was going to get some night time running in definitely picked a great time to do it. This past week conditions are almost identical to the conditions we had during last years Cascade Quest but this year the Quest is going to be a week later and now the forecast shows snow all week, doesn't look like large amounts but it would accumulate and make it more difficult for the dog teams, we'll just have to see. It should be an exciting weekend, if you've never seen sled dog races you should check it out, it's very exciting and beautiful at the same time.
Life is a journey full of lessons and this week reminded me of that, it seems the lessons we don't learn we will repeat until we learn them. My word is one of my greatest assets and I do not commit to things until I weigh it out and will do whatever it takes to carry it out. I have lots of people tell me thing like they are going to have to come to Trinity and I believe that they mean it at the time but for some reason it never happens so I don't repeat what they say but watch and see if it happens. This week though I believed what I was told and told others and none of it materialized with many people being concerned and confused at the same time. One thing for sure I didn't like the feelings that I had but it did remind me why I didn't do that and why at this time did I let this happen as far as my part of it, time for some self searching because I know that knowing makes me a better person. I feel great though in spite of it because I know everything I did was from a pure heart and came from a place of love and peace. Sometimes I guess we just need a reminder.
It was because of all of this that my sled ended up at the garage and me stuck at Trinity and the reason I've put this out. Thanks to all I appreciate you. FYI so far Jan has only had 96" of snow but over 350+" accumulative for the season. The gauge shows just over 9' which just shows how very dry this snow has been this year. Get out and enjoy the snow there is so much to see and experience.
We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

Cascade Quest 2008 Coming Soon to Trinity

Well folks it's getting close to that time of year when mushers and dogs are out on the trail sharing it with snowmobilers, skiers and snowshoers, along with anyone else that just loves the snow. December was wild month as far as snow goes we got a total accumulation of 225" just in Dec and so far in Jan only 81" . We've gone from grey skies and snow everyday to very cold -2 to 1 overnight and up in the 20's during the day, the snow is setting up nicely and makes it much easier to get around and all. So far it sounds like there is going to be lots of teams competing, so far 4-5 12 dog teams will be running the continuous 200 mile Iditarod qualifier, then there are 4-5 (6) dog pure bred teams and 9 (6) dog teams that will all be coming through Trinity on Sat at different times, it is a rest stop for the 12 dog teams and an overnight for the 6 dog teams. If conditions stay like they have been this past week it should be a very fast race for all involved, but then again this is Trinity and anything is possible. I have to admit that there is such excitement in the air when the teams are getting hooked up and ready to run the barking and jumping of pure delight that they are getting to do what they love. Peace & Bear might not pull a sled but they love the snow and getting to run in it gives them pleasure like nothing else .
If you have never experienced the sled dog races you are missing out on something beautiful and powerful that takes place in one of the most beautiful settings in the state of Washington along the Chiwawa River Rd to Trinity. The groomers have been kind enough to groom some areas along the trail in trailheads and campsites so that you can watch the race without being too close to the road. There is no snowmobile parking at Trinity but at the trailhead there will be areas to park along with the restroom facilities. Spectators are encouraged to come see the teams in action but please park your sled at the trailhead and walk in across the bridge. Remember these aren't pets but working dogs so check with the musher before walking up to the teams, be safe and have fun. You can check out photos of last years quest on the web album link for now my computer is still not working so all of my photos of the teams aren't available, but will be updated soon.
We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

God's Eye from Space

This is a photograph taken from the Hubbell Telescope by NASA , it is very rare and occurs only every 3000 years I was told. It is called the Eye of God and I believe it is beautiful, hope you enjoy it.
We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

Beautyful Sunnyday & Friends

Today was a beautiful day and I had several visitors some I expected and some I didn't but it was all good. I had a group from Wildfun Rentals / Sno-Jammers Snomobile club, who I had met New Years eve and they had helped when Jim was late getting here. Got to show them around the place and they seemed to have a great time even had a visit just for Bear & Peace. Thanks to Spero & Krystin from WildFun Rentals in Lakewood. For anyone reading this and never had the experience of riding a snowmobile especially out here give them a call or check out their website www.powersportrentals.com, you'll love the adventure, tell them Gregg sent you..

Also got meet more of the Chiwawa Pines group, Ray Bentley & family and Tom and family sorry didn't get all of the names. Today was some of the best conditions we have had in quite a while and it is the first time this year that we haven't gotten heavy snow right after grooming has been done and that was nice beautiful sunshine.


The top photo is of Buck Mountain this morning just as I saw it.

We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

NewYears Day 2008

The first 3 photos are of the front pond that is actually freezing this year because the flow has been changed and so it is freezing and you can even see a big snowflake shape that formed in the ice, I thought it was very cool so thought I'd share it with ya'll.

I also need to make a couple of apologies and corrections from an earlier post, concerning the Chiwawa Pines gang. The Chiwawa Pines gang were:
Jim & Ryan Wright
Art, Eric, Justin & Ashley Alley
Allan, Shauna & Christopher
Lee, Kathy & Derrick (Mr. Highmark) for the moment anyway, I think I got everyone covered now but in case forgive me for not remembering everyone.

The last photo is of the groomer driven by Denny and Jason his helper drove my sled in
after Jim got is stuck, they are with Pacific Mountain Services and I appreciate their help with my sled and for making a pass through Trinity, I can't thank you enough for your help and saving me a long walk out to my sled.

This year has started out with snow all but 2 days since the new year started and it is still coming, should be a banner year for snow here now if it would just warm up a little to help it set up better.

Peace, Bear Love, Gizmo, & I hope you all have a great 2008. Get out and enjoy the beauty and snow all around, be safe, most of all, have Fun...

We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.

2Days after Christmas

We have been getting snow for about a week solid as of Christmas and 2 days later friends that I met last year showed up in force, they live in the Chiwawa Pines area, Aret, Jim, Allan, Shawna and please forgive me for not remembering everyone's names they had a blast playing in DEEP POWder and even doing some climbing but getting stuck too.

Peace and Bear loved it getting the attention but they love each other too. We are continuing to get snow here and just in Dec we had 225.75" of Dry Fluffy POWder that is finally settling a bit especially since it has been warming up since yesterday.
One thing for sure what seemed like there might not be a winter at the beginning of the month it has definitely made up for it. Check out the many cool photos of the Chiwawa Pines Gang on the web album linked to here. Sorry this is late getting out but my computer is down and wasn't sure about getting these downloaded.
We found our Paradise, hope you find your's too.